Forecasting Astros 2011 rotation and the stars of 2012

The Astros had their seven-game win streak stopped Wednesday. They are now 3-1 in August with a three-game series starting in Milwaukee on Friday.

Since June 1: 30-26.

Since All Star Break: 11-7

Needed for .500 finish: 34-21.

Current pick in June 2011 draft: 9.

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Maybe it’s a tad early to start looking at 2011, but the Astros are already hedging their bets, at least where it concerns the starting rotation. With Jordan Lyles perhaps on the horizon, the Astros are obviously settling in on their starting five for the next few years.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, it’s apparent that Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, J.A. Happ and Bud Norris will headline the starters…with Felipe Paulino, Wesley Wright and possibly Lyles set to battle it out for the last spot.

Assuming that Ed Wade upgrades the offense, can the Astros win with that rotation? Should the team run more than two left handers to the mound every five days?

At this point, there doesn’t appear to be any relief options for the rotation at Round Rock, leaving only Lyles as a possible addition from within the organization — at least for 2011.

Undoubtedly, the Astros — as most teams do — will bring some extra arms to camp either as a free agent or through the NRI route. (If you’re thinking former Phillies, there are a couple of free agents who could be available: Vincente Padilla and Kevin Millwood. Ed, just say no.)

Speaking of next year’s rotation, there’s a decent chance that a player who was not drafted by the Astros (e.g. Myers, Happ) will start opening day. That would be the first time a non-drafted player has started on the mound for Houston since 1995.

So that leads to two trivia questions. Without looking:

 Can you name the four pitchers — drafted by the Astros — who started opening day from 1996-2010?

Which of the players on those three rosters has the best chance of being a star for the Astros in 2012? If you’re looking for criteria to call a player a “star”, use the All Star Game selection as a barometer.

You’re not limited to these, but here are a few suggestions from each roster for your consideration: